[AnnieB3]

Hey, Susan. I thought I'd do a new post about this. I read your comments about a fast heart rate. That would not be the same thing as high blood pressure. The two do not necessarily go together.

Mestinon tends to cause bradycardia (heart rate 60 and lower). I was wondering if your docs have checked out a thyroid issue or if your MG is so bad that your heart rate is going higher. The heart pumps faster when the body can't get enough oxygen too. There are a lot of causes of a higher heart rate.

Mayo did find that Mestinon could increase blood pressure. What I find interesting is that my BP in between doses is higher and it's lower on Mestinon.

Here's some info for you.

http://www.medicinenet.com/low_blood_pressure/page6.htm

Mayo Clinic researchers found that a medication used to treat muscle weakness in Myasthenia gravis calledpyridostigmine (Mestinon) increases upright blood pressure but not supine blood pressure. Mestinon, an anticholinesterase medication, works on the autonomic nervous system, especially when a person is standing up. Side effects include minor abdominal cramping or increased frequency of bowel movements.

http://www.mestinon.com/index.jspf

http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Profs/dat...estinontab.htm

Be aware that Mestinon has positive effects on those with ischemia.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17397949
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15367503

And though this is only ONE case example, it can also spaz out the heart
if you have too much of it.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16098399

Never assume what is causing a new symptom! A rapid or fast heart rate is a sign something is going on that isn't normal, which I'm sure you know. Kind of hard to pursue when your neuro thinks you're fine. I hope you can find a new one.


Annie